Cricket Australia consider implementing social media policy

Updated: 21 May 2013 12:51 IST

Sutherland said he hoped Australian players would not feel constrained from engaging with fans through social media.

Written by Associated Press

Read Time: 2 mins

Sydney:

Chief executive James Sutherland says Cricket Australia may consider implementing a social media policy after opening batsman David Warner became embroiled in an expletive-laden Twitter exchange with two journalists.

Warner is reportedly expected to plead guilty at a hearing on Wednesday to breaching Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct after expressing anger in a series of tweets at newspaper articles. The 26-year-old opening batsman could be fined, suspended or ordered to undergo counseling as a result of his social media outbursts. (Read: Warner's disciplinary hearing set for Wednesday)

Sutherland said while Cricket Australia may consider implementing rules governing the use by players of social media, he doesn't want to discourage players from using those forums.

"In a specific case here with David, he's been charged so it's not really appropriate with the hearing pending to say too much about that," Sutherland said. "But obviously we've taken the view that there's something to answer for in this instance."

Sutherland said Cricket Australia hadn't yet discussed a social media policy for players but conceded it may now have to consider a framework of rules.

"We've worked with our players and helped them in training and development and understanding the pitfalls of (social media)," Sutherland said. A social media policy " is not something we've talked about but perhaps down the track it might be appropriate.

"I guess we hope our players would be able to know where the lines are drawn and be able to manage that."

Sutherland said he hoped Australian players would not feel constrained from engaging with fans through social media.

"It's very important," he said. "We want our players to be engaging with fans. Part of our strategy is to put the fans first and for them to have a closer and better relationship with our players."